Undergraduate Programs

BS in Chemistry

The BS in Chemistry is recommended for students who are planning professional careers in chemistry or chemistry related fields or who are intending to pursue postgraduate studies in chemistry after graduation. The BS is certified by the American Chemical Society as meeting the necessary criteria for a professional baccalaureate degree in chemistry. Major requirements include a minimum of 51 semester hours of chemistry, 11 hours of mathematics, and 8 of physics and 4 hours of biology.

BS in Chemistry with Biochemistry Concentration

The BS/Biochemistry option is recommended for students who are planning professional careers in biochemistry, biological chemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or other biomedically related field with a chemistry emphasis. It also meets the requirements for entrance to medical and other professional schools. Requirements include 39-48 hours of chemistry, 8 hours of mathematics, 8 hours of physics, and 8-17 hours of biology.

BS in Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry Concentration

Effective after Summer 2018

The Analytical Chemistry concentration is designed to introduce and train students in modern aspects of analytical chemistry. Students who choose this program will be well-prepared to run sophisticated analytical instruments in industry and research laboratories and to pursue an advanced degree specializing in analytical chemistry.

BS in Chemistry with Environmental Chemistry Concentration

Effective after Summer 2018

Students who chose the Environmental Chemistry concentration will have a broad knowledge of chemistry and a firm foundation in atmospheric, aquatic, and soil environmental sciences. The major prepares students to work in the public or private sector as environmental chemists as well as to pursue an advanced degree.

BS in Chemistry with Concentration in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry

This concentration will no longer be available after Fall 2018. Students who are currently pursuing this concentration may continue until they graduate.

The BS with Analytical and Environmental Concentration is recommended for students who are planning professional careers in industry, careers in environmental science with a chemistry emphasis, or those seeking graduate study in analytical or environmental chemistry. This degree is certified by the American Chemical Society as meeting the necessary criteria for a professional baccalaureate degree in chemistry.Requirements include 52 hours of chemistry, 11 hours of mathematics and 8 hours of physics.

BS in Chemistry with Education Concentration

This concentration will no longer be available after Fall 2018. Students who are currently pursuing this concentration may continue until they graduate.

A person interested in teaching High School Chemistry should choose this major. This degree is approved by the American Chemical Society and leads to state licensure to teach in Virginia upon completion of the degree.

BA in Chemistry

The BA in Chemistry is intended to fulfill the needs of students who wish a broader liberal arts education. It is recommended for students who are preparing to enter medical or dental schools or who may wish to enter other scientific and non-scientific fields related to chemistry, such as environmental science, pharmacy, business, or law. Major requirements include 37 hours of chemistry, 11 hours of mathematics, and 8 to 12 hours of physics. Both degree programs satisfy the requirements for state certification in chemistry for secondary school teachers.

BA in Chemistry with Biochemistry Concentration

The BA/Biochemistry Option is intended for the student who is interested in studying chemistry at its interface with the biological sciences. Students interested in attending medical school can obtain an exceptionally good science background through this option. Requirements include 37 hours of chemistry, 11 hours of mathematics and statistics, 8 hours of physics, and 4 hours of biology.

BS/Accelerated MS in Chemistry

The five-year BS/Accelerated MS program leads to a research-based MS following satisfactory completion of 144 credits. It allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to research to obtain a BS and MS within five academic years plus the summer of the last year.

Minor in Chemistry

A Minor in Chemistry requires 16 credits of chemistry at the 300 level or above with a minimum GPA of 2.00.

Honors Program in Chemistry

Chemistry majors who have completed the prerequisites for CHEM 455, 456, Honors Research in Chemistry, and who have maintained an overall GPA of at least 3.00 in mathematics and science courses are eligible to enter the departmental Honors Program and graduate with Honors in Chemistry. Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 490 is required for both CHEM 455 and 456. The Chemistry pre-requisites are CHEM 314, 318, 321, 331, and 336. Students in the program participate in chemistry research under the direction of a faculty member and complete the requirements for undergraduate attendance at the weekly Department seminar. Students may apply to the program by submitting an honors program application.

Premedical, Predental, and Preveterinary Students

Students planning medical, dental, or veterinary careers may meet the requirements of these professional schools by majoring in chemistry. Students should consult with the Health Professions/Premedical Advisor in the Academic Advising and Transfer Center.

Special Programs

Opportunities are available within the department for undergraduate participation in original research in conjunction with the chemistry faculty. This may be achieved through CHEM 355, CHEM 451 and 452 (Special Projects in Chemistry) or through involvement with faculty members on externally funded research grants. GMU Chemistry Majors also take advantage of the unique scientific resources available in the region through student internships at government laboratories such as the Naval Research Laboratory, the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Institutes of Health.

Schedules

Course Info

Support

Visitors

Visitors are always welcome at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Prospective students are especially encouraged to visit the campus; faculty members are happy to discuss academic and career opportunities in Chemistry.

Appointments may be arranged by calling the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at (703) 993-1070 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.